Method and apparatus for converting supplies and reducing waste

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for technique and cycling (Techni-cycling as herein defined) such that converting delivery supply containers (supplies) into waste and disposal receptacles is disclosed. More particularly, a container transformation comprising deriving a supply container from a health care delivery sequence and converting the container into a waste receptacle by connection to a vacuum/suction source and collection system reduces the amount of waste contributed to the waste stream.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/432,517, filed Dec.11, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention(s) relates to the field of reducing the wastestream burden in the medical field.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In particular, this application relates to systems used for thecollection and disposal of certain medical waste. The collection offluent waste material is a common procedure in the medical field. Mostmethods of surgical waste collection are carried out using vacuumsuction. Some methods use gravity, while some use impelling deviceswhich produce suction/vacuum. Examples of such impelling devices maycomprise a meniscus shaver, a lipo-suction system, an arthroscopic fluidpump, an endoscopic irrigation and aspiration wand and the like.Surgical fluid waste is collected in containers commonly referred to ascanisters, and or canister liners. These waste collection devices aregenerally disposable, some are recycled reprocessed or re-washed. Somecollection devices are reused. Some are partially reused, while some areintermittently reused. Some are disposable or partially disposable. Someare used in conjunction with servicing units while some are used withadditive agents for treating the waste material. Some are used multipletimes on multiple patients without preferable cleaning between patients.In certain instances, reused devices are cleaned, reprocessed,sterilized, re-sterilized, and/or re-cycled and prepared for re-use.There are disadvantages to the use of disposable collection canistersand canister liners. One problem is that disposable collection canistersand disposable collection liners contribute contaminated infectionsplastic waste to the medical waste stream which is undesirable for theenvironment. Re-use of disposable collection devices by re-cleaning orre-processing re-cycling and/or sterilizing, has the disadvantages ofadding costly labor, and requiring additional labor costs for sorting,containing, transporting and handling of contaminated medical wastecanisters, and then the added costs of product re-entry into thecleaning and re-sterilization internal systems. There is a significantneed to reduce medical waste. The need to reduce medical waste is aserious common goal of the US Environmental Protection Agency, and theAmerican Hospital Association which has entered into a landmark“Memorandum of Understanding” formally establishing the goals to reducemedical waste 50% by the year 2010. Hospitals for Healthy Environment(www.h2e-online.org) is the name of the aforementioned alliance and issupported by many formidable organizations and companies such as theAmerican Nurses Association, Health Care Without Harm, Group PurchasingOrganizations, Health Care Systems, State and local government agencies,Health Care Associations and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0004] Certain disadvantages of the prior art in these regards willbecome better understood by explanation of these following references.U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,126 to Tribastone et. al., discloses a collectioncanister system comprising canister interiors of preferably 5,000,10,000 and 15,000 cubic centimeters and are taught to be effective forall procedures. A container of this size has disadvantages because it istoo big for many collection applications. For example, suctioncollection for anesthesia, whereby it is convenient to have a smallcollection canister attached to an anesthesia machine is preferable,especially in that most anesthesia suction volumes constitute just a fewcubic centimeters of sputum or pharangeal/throat saliva most of thetime. Larger equipment is also inconvenient in smaller rooms, wheresuction collection equipment is found such as the emergency room,intensive care units in patient hospital rooms, coronary care units, andneo-natal and infant care units, physician offices, physician ownedsurgery suites, out patient surgery centers, ambulances, and other roomsdefining smaller confined spaces. There are also concerns with crosscontamination in any system where contaminated waste material remains ina room/location during the presence of multiple patients. This problemis most prevalent in intensive care and other patient units where themost sick patients are treated. Another disadvantage of 5,000, 10,000and 15,000 cubic centimeter containers is weight. Such weight in thesevery heavy volumes provide for extremely difficult ergonomics andhandling problems posing significant risk to personnel, such as back,neck, and upper extremity injuries. Another disadvantage of such largeand heavy containers is its size. Such large containers are moredifficult to clean and cumbersome to handle and because the awkwardsize, could contribute to such problems as carpal tunnel syndrome of thewrist, which further defines ergonomic problems with respect to thedisadvantages of such heavy fluid products as related to the U.S. Pat.No. 5,792,126 reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,837 to Cude et. al.,discloses a suction canister and lid combination whereby onlydestructive force will separate the parts. This renders this invention adisposable product which is costly whereby each time a canister is used,another purchase is made by the customer, and another product entersinternal distribution increasing cost cycles and increasing inventoryhandling costs and another piece of garbage enters the waste streamwhich is a serious disadvantage. This makes the system expensive, andrequires ongoing internal distribution, requiring ongoing inventoryspace, which is at a premium in most institutions. Another disadvantageis the lack of choice for the customer to re-process, re-sterilize, orre-use, of which options are beneficial, but not available with the U.S.Pat. No. 5,960,837 reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,717 to Dunn et. al.,discloses a canister and flushing system. This system comprises complexequipment for handling a collection canister. The disadvantages to thissystem are expensive equipment is required, and such complex equipmentneeds expensive maintenance plus required periodic inspection whichincreases labor costs associated with its presence. In addition, theequipment must be kept clean, which is additional labor required fordaily operations. Other disadvantages include a re-usable canister whichrequires costly labor for internal processing, re-processing andre-using. In most institutions volume of such collection systems isquite high imposing expensive internal handling and re-use processingcosts. The system discloses a disposable flush kit which maintainshigher disposable costs along with higher costs associated with internaldistribution and inventory handling. U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,093 to Deatondiscloses a reusable canister having a disposable lid and liner. Thissystem is delivered in pieces and require subassembly by the customerprior to operation. This requires additional labor, which is costly, andinvolves the inventory and tracking of a plurality of systems in sets.Often times lids and liners can become separated and when out ofnumerical matching balance, one cannot be used without the other whereasresulting in an incomplete set and an unusable sub-assembly. Thisdisadvantage complicates the ongoing internal distribution and trackingof the subassembly components, which adds costly labor, inventorymanagement and excess handling. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,093 referencealso discloses contribution of garbage to the waste stream with each usewhich is a serious environmental concern.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides methods and apparatus forutilizing product transfer/delivery containers which do not embody theself inherent physical capacity to maintain shape under extreme negativevacuum pressures of up to minus one atmospheres. Examples of costeffectively fabricated containers which do not embody the implosionresistant strength/construction needed for suction/vacuum collection,may include plastic delivery containers such as plastic pour bottles andintravenous solution containers. The present invention discloses costeffective solutions for reducing waste, reducing labor, reducinginventory, reducing internal distribution and reducing inventoryhandling costs involved with the collection of waste materials. Theseachievements are carried out by the instant invention whereby successfulsuction/vacuum collection may be realized using flexible costeffectively fabricated product solution transfer/delivery containers.This application discloses a collection system that teaches use ofproduct supply containers for removal of waste material and the disposalchain. In particular delivery containers for generaldistribution/transfer/supply/delivery of pour bottle solutions andintravenous solutions and the like are converted into the wastecollection and disposal chain. This application also teaches use of acommon container for both the supply and disposal chain. Thisapplication also teaches use of containers in inventory forsupply/delivery then transforming them for disposal utility. Thisapplication teaches the use of a common container for the producttransfer and then integrates them into systems for the collection ofwaste material. This application teaches waste reduction methods byintegrating delivery container fabrication and the collecting anddisposing of waste materials of waste material with a cycling technique.This application teaches the waste reduction methods by usingmanufacturing methods such as blow molding, and blow fill seal containerfabrication, and intravenous solution container manufacturing methodsfor delivery and disposal purposes transforming the container, which isderived from a delivery mode, from product transfer, and converting tocollection of waste materials. The invention(s) of the instant caseprovide container utility options for the transfer of products,consumption of products and for waste collection options. The inventionof the instant case discloses the utilization of product transfercontainers, such as pour bottles and intravenous solution containers(bags)(and/or other product containing enclosures used for IVtherapeutics and administration of anesthetic agents as well as otheragents) for the receiving, collecting and containment and disposal ofwaste. Using product distribution/transfer containers, also for thehandling of waste, results in optimal reduction of waste, reduction ofinventory, reduction in labor, reduction of internal inventorydistribution, and reduction of inventory and waste disposal costsbecause the need for separate disposal containers is reduced. Thequestion arises, why pay for a disposal container when a deliverycontainer can be derived from the supply side and converted into adisposal container. Such containers are supplied clean and well suited,within the scope of the instant invention for conversion/transformationinto disposal containers. The instant invention confers options allowingconsumer choices for the reduction of waste. Plastic transfer containersare commonly used for the distribution/transfer of sterile liquids andother products, such as sterile water, sterile sodium chlorideirrigation solution, intravenous solutions for IV therapeutics, othersolutions, and the like. These solutions are used for intravenoustherapeutics, administration of anesthesia, wound irrigation, irrigationfor arthroscopic/endoscopic procedures, urology procedures and manyother types of uses. The inventor of the instant case names additionalfluent material delivered in polypropylene and or polyethylene polyvinylchloride containers which are generally high volume supplies in and/orengage the supply chain on a just in time basis fordelivery/consumption. Intravenous solution containers (IV bags) are alsoused for the distribution/commercialization of container products. It isunderstood the disclosed teachings are not limited to steriledistribution/commercialization product transfer containers. Otherproduct transfer containers may be suitably integrated with theinventions concept to function in a disposal and waste reductioncapacity. Other containers, such as prep solution containers, alcoholcontainers, solvents, and cleaning solutions may function suitablywithin the scope of the present invention. The teachings are notintended to limit the novel concept of waste reduction to any particulartype of product distribution/commercialization transfer container. Otherproduct containers may also be used in the instant invention. These“product” delivery containers are commercialized/distributed to thecustomer having volumes sufficient enough to provide cubic capacity insubstantial proportion for the collection and disposal waste materials.The instant invention(s) reduces the amount of plastic introduced intothe waste stream. The instant invention reduces the re-cycling,reprocessing, and labor associated with handling and re-use proceduresthereby lowering the associated costs of the waste collection/disposalprocesses. Collecting fluent waste materials in converted deliverycontainers such as a pour bottles and intravenous solution containerswhich have been cost effectively fabricated without implosion resistantstrength/construction, provides various solutions/options solving thedisadvantages/problems of such prior art containers when the methods andapparatus of the present invention are utilized. When the methods andapparatus embodied by the teachings of the present invention areutilized, the instant invention also provides solutions for reducing thehandling and reducing labor, and reducing the costly processes ofre-cycling, reusing, reprocessing, sterilizing and/or re-sterilizing.Certain product delivery/transfer containers are fabricated,commercialized and already present or in the supply/distribution chainand or in the consumer facility. The present invention conveniently andeasily transforms, converts and integrates these transfer deliverycontainers for transformation into waste materials collection vesselscreating a new type of environmental cycle. We refer to this new/novelcycle as a Techni-cycle. Therefore, Techni-cycling defines a new methodsand apparatus of using technique to cycle containers from the deliveryside of consumption to the disposal side of consumption forenvironmental purposes. In essence, Techni-cycling defines the novelprocess of converting a delivery container into a waste receptacle. Inessence, Techni-cycling is also defined by deriving waste receptaclesfrom incoming delivery supplies. In essence, Techni-cycling is definedby transforming delivery containers into disposal containers. Inessence, Techni-cycling is an environmental conversion andtransformation method. In essence Techni-cycling confers the options andadvantages as disclosed in the instant application. In essence,Techni-cycling is the environmentally preferred method. In essence,Techni-cycling is environmental, among other things. Difficulties existwith the use of the certain pour bottles when integrated in a highnegative pressure vacuum collection system. Difficulties also exist withthe use of intravenous solution containers when integrated in a highnegative vacuum system as commonly used in suction/vacuum collection ofsurgical waste materials. Negative vacuum draw pressure, at times up to−1 atmospheric pressure is common for drawing surgical waste materialsfrom a surgical site into collection receptacles. One problem is thatthe common pour bottles are cost effectively manufactured withrelatively thin plastic walls sometimes down to the range of 0.025inches thick, or less and generally made with plasticized materials suchas high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, orother like materials. Thin walled containers are commonly fabricated toreduce the plastic material mass (volume of plastic material per unit)and hold down production costs, and shipping weight. It is commonpractice in container manufacturing to consume the minimum amount ofmaterial used per unit to fabricate each container yet maintain end userfunction for cost effective manufacturing purposes. Common containermaterial durometers, comprising containers having such ranges of thinwall thickness in these like materials, are not generally strong enoughto withstand the negative differential pressure of up to −1 atmospherefound in a suction vacuum system, without imploding and/or deforming.Product distribution/transfer containers are commonly fabricated usingmanufacturing processes know by artisans skilled in the arts of blowmolding, and/or blow fill seal manufacturing and the process ofthermally laminating sheets and forming cavities for the filling and theproduction of intravenous solution containers. These containers arefabricated open top or closed top. A solution to the problem of bottledeformity which occurs under high negative implosion pressure is toconnect the pour bottle to a suction collection system whereby the pourbottle wall is interposed, between its inner chamber and an outerinterspace, each space subjected to a common draw force, the forceenveloped over itself on the container inside and outside, the whichforms opposing differential pressures providing wall reinforcingbalances by effecting a positive and negative neutral force on thebottle wall balancing negative implosion forces. This is carried out bythe container and canister co-acting to contain and balance forces inthe composite draw path. This addresses the issue of bottle deformity.

[0006] The instant invention discloses the neck of a pour bottle as autilitarian area of the bottle for coupling with a canister system. Theinstant invention discloses a throat space aperture (pour spout) of aplastic pour bottle as a utilitarian area for engagement of a drawforce. The instant invention discloses the throat space aperture (pourspout) as a utilitarian area for coupling of a throat aperture plug. Theinstant invention discloses a positive and negative pressure exchangeplug for providing communication between the draw force and the insideand outside of a transfer container. The instant invention discloseslocating an atmospheric pressure draw exchange at the neck area of atransfer container. The present invention discloses interposing the neck(pour spout) of a product transfer/delivery bottle for conversioncircumferentially between an throat/aperture plug and a canisterlid/cover. In an alternative embodiment a bottle neck cap is interposedbetween a bottle neck and a canister lid/cover. In still a furtherembodiment a downward projecting hollow boss is interposedcircumferentially between a bottle neck and a force exchange plug. Thepresent invention discloses fabricating a blow molded container fortransformation/conversion and bayonet coupling to a canister system. Itis understood that that the invention is not intended to be limited tobottle neck configurations which are round. Any shaped bottleneck/lid-cover, cap, plug, boss configuration suitable forarrangement/construction having structuration to carry out the utilityof the present invention may be fabricated to carry out the purposes ofthe instant case. The present invention discloses positioning theplastic bottle throat space in a pressure draw system whereby anin-drawn force is disposed to transfer and deposit medical wastematerials into the bottle and an out-drawn force is disposed to transferthe differential draw forces. The present invention utilizes the innerchamber of a plastic pour bottle as a part of the pressure drawcommunication system. The present invention discloses severalembodiments for carrying out the invention. In one embodiment, a bottlecap is shown guiding the exchanging forces in a position along a forcedraw path at a location between a site of waste material (surgical site)and a source from which the draw forces emanate. The cap is connectableto a lid/cover which attaches to a canister body. In a second embodimenta bottle neck is circumferentially (not necessarily meaning round)interposed between a lid (second embodiment) and a throat spacer(pressure exchanger), whereby the throat spacer is disposed in guidingposition to exchange forces along a draw path at a location between asite of waste material (surgical site/other source) and a source fromwhich draw forces emanate. In another embodiment a downward directinghollow lid boss is fitted into a bottle throat and the lid boss iscircumferentially (not necessarily meaning round) interposed between abottle neck and a hollow lid boss transfer plug. The lid aperture spaceris disposed to guide and exchange differential draw forces along a forcedraw path at a location between a site of material waste (surgical site)and a source from which the draw forces emanate. In another embodiment aplastic pour bottle comprises a neck area comprising winged locking lugsformed unitary with the bottle and disposed to connect to a canister lidembodiment by bayonet motion. Throat/aperture spacers may then be placedin the throat space of the plastic bottle in a position to guideexchange forces along a draw path at a location between a source ofwaste material (surgical site/other source) and a source from which thedraw force emanates. The inventor/author knows of no prior art whichanticipates the proximate function and/or provides the utility of thepresent invention disclosed in this patent application.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One object of the invention is to fabricate a delivery containerfor disposal and coupling to a waste collection system. Anotherobjective of the invention is to provide a delivery and collectioncontainer system using bottles fabricated from a blow molding process.Another object of the invention is to provide a delivery and collectioncontainer fabricated from a blow fill seal manufacturing process.Another object of the invention is to provide a suction/vacuum systemwhich renders product distribution/transfer containers receptive towaste materials. Another object of the invention is to provide acollection system for reducing waste that is derived from a productdelivery. Still a further purpose of the invention is to providecontainer options for reducing the amount of material waste introducedto the waste stream in the medical field. Another object of theinvention is to deposit waste materials into a container derived fromthe product transfer distribution/commercialization cycle and convertedinto a waste receptacle. Another object of the invention is to useintravenous solution containers as converted receptacles for wastematerials. Another object of the invention is to use pour bottles andconvert them as receptacles for waste materials. Another object of theinvention is to fabricate a waste reducing system which conveys wastereduction options. Another purpose of the invention is to reduce theinternal distribution, the inventory management of surgical wastecollection devices. Another purpose of the invention is to providemethods and apparatus effecting the utility of reducing handlingassociated with the collection of surgical material waste. A furtherpurpose of the invention is to provide methods and apparatus to reducere-cycling, re-processing, and re-use procedures. Still a further objectof the invention is to fabricate systems which utilize the cubic spacecapacity embodied in product distribution, delivery and transfercontainers such as pour bottles and intravenous solution containers forwaste collection and disposal. Yet another object of the invention is toprovide methods and apparatus for the consumer to account for cubicvolumes of incoming fluids and cubic volumes of outgoing waste materialsfor cost effectiveness and better supply planning and purchasing. Andstill a further object of the invention is to provide methods andapparatus in a system that provides cost effective container conversionand transformation procedure, supply planning, ordering, inventorycarrying, procedure supply selection and supply utility. Yet anotherobject of the invention is to provide more cost effective means forcollecting surgical waste materials. Still a further object of theinvention is to interpose the inner chamber of a plastic pour bottlealong an draw path at a location between a material waste source(surgical site) and a source from which the draw force emanates. Still afurther object of the invention is to provide a suction collectionsystem fabricated to connect to a pour bottle. Still a further object ofthe invention is to provide a suction/vacuum system to connect to anintravenous solution container. Still a further object of the inventionis to fabricate a blow molded bottle to fit to a suction canister systemby a bayonet movement. Still a further object of the invention is toprovide a blow molded container comprising a neck structuration forcoupling to a lid/cover boss. Still a further object of the invention isto integrate the inside of a distribution/commercialization producttransfer container into the vacuum/suction draw control path forreception of waste materials. Still a further object of the invention isto reinforce the walls of a product distribution/commercialization usinga vacuum/suction force. Still a further object of the invention is tointerpose a transfer container along an intermediate portion of a drawcontrol path between a vacuum/suction source and a source of wastematerial. Still a further object of the invention is deposit wastematerials into a product distribution/commercialization transfercontainer by a draw force. Still a further object of the invention is tocouple a canister cover to a product distribution/transfer container.Still a further object of the invention is to fabricate a producttransfer container to couple to a canister cover. Still a further objectof the invention is to fabricate a container and a canister cover tocouple together. Yet another object of the invention is to provide forcontainer Techni-cycling (as defined above)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a plastic pour bottle disposedin a surgical suction/vacuum canister system for receiving materialwaste deposits.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a partial top perspective of a pour bottle coupled to abottle cap and connected to canister lid embodiment 1.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a plastic pour bottle disposedwithin a surgical suction/vacuum canister system that has a side vacuumdraw port.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a plastic pour bottle disposedwithin a surgical suction/vacuum canister system as a receptacle for thecollection of surgical material waste deposits and the suction canisterhousing body has a side vacuum/suction draw port.

[0012]FIG. 5 is a partial side elevational view of a plastic pour bottleand neck.

[0013]FIG. 6 is an exploded side elevational view of a plastic pourbottle, a bottle vacuum pressure exchange cap and a partial sideelevation view of lid embodiment 1.

[0014]FIG. 7 is a partial cross section view of a plastic pour bottledisposed as a receptacle for receiving deposits of surgical materialwaste connected to a vacuum transfer cap which is in turn connected tocanister lid embodiment 1.

[0015]FIG. 8 is a partial exploded cross sectional side elevationdepicting a plastic pour bottle connected to a vacuum transfer bottlecap pre-connected for subsequent connection to a lid embodiment 1.

[0016]FIG. 9 is a partial exploded cross sectional/side elevational viewof a bottle vacuum pressure transfer cap connected to canister lidembodiment 1 and a plastic pour bottle connectable to the cap and lidassembly for being disposed within a surgical suction/vacuum drawcanister system as a receptacle for receiving surgical suction wastematerial deposits.

[0017]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a plastic bottle vacuum transferforce exchange cap.

[0018]FIG. 10a is a side elevation view of the plastic bottle vacuumtransfer cap.

[0019]FIG. 10b is a bottom plan view of a plastic bottle vacuum transfercap.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view with a perspective lookingdirectly into in-draw port 8.

[0021]FIG. 11a is a cross sectional view with a perspective 90 degreesto that of FIG. 11 looking at a side perspective section of in-draw port8 through 8 a.

[0022]FIG. 12 is a partial top perspective of a plastic pour bottleconnected to a surgical suction canister lid embodiment 2 andthroat/aperture vacuum exchange plug 7.

[0023]FIG. 13 is a partial cross section of a surgical suction canisterlid 1 a 1 showing connectability to several sizes of surgical suctioncanisters by means of a multi-step ring bottom configuration.

[0024]FIG. 14 is a partial side elevation of a surgical suction canisterlid embodiment 2 connected to a plastic pour bottle disposed therewithas a receptacle for collecting surgical suction material waste depositsthrough throat/aperture vacuum exchange plug 7.

[0025]FIG. 15 is a partial cross sectional view of a portion of aplastic pour bottle neck interposed between a throat/aperture plug and asurgical suction canister lid embodiment 2 and disposed therewith as areceptacle for surgical suction waste material via means ofthroat/aperture plug 7.

[0026]FIG. 16 is a partial cross section of surgical suction canisterlid base 1 a 1 for adaptability to several sizes of suction canisterbody/housings.

[0027]FIG. 17 is a cross section view of throat/aperture force exchangeplug 7.

[0028]FIG. 17a is a partial cross section view of surgical canister lidembodiment 2 coupled to the outer contour of a plastic pour bottle neckhaving the bottle disposed therewith to receive throat aperture forceexchange plug 7 of FIG. 17. The plastic pour bottle annularlyinterposable along its neck portion between throat/aperture forcetransfer plug 7 and surgical suction canister lid embodiment 2 anddisposed as a receptacle to receive waste material.

[0029]FIG. 18 is a partial cross sectional view of surgical suctioncanister lid embodiment 2.

[0030]FIG. 18a is a partial cross sectional view of plastic pour bottleconnected to throat/aperture vacuum transfer plug 7. The embodiment ofFIG. 18a is shown connectable to the embodiment of FIG. 18.

[0031]FIG. 19 is a partial cross sectional view of aplastic pour bottleconnected to a throat/aperture vacuum transfer plug 7 which in turn isconnected by an in-draw vacuum suction tubing and suction tip as shownin the side elevation view.

[0032]FIG. 20 is a cross section view of a throat/aperture vacuumtransfer plug 7 as may be integrally and permanently connected to vacuumsuction tubing pre-packaged, separately, with, or pre-connected tosuction tip 19 as shown in the side elevation view.

[0033]FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of throat/aperture plug 7 aintegrally and permanently pre-connected to suction tubing which is inturn connected to a suction tip.

[0034]FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of throat/aperture vacuumtransfer plug 7 b shown as a separate assembly having a filter andseparately and releasably connectable to the suction tubing and a vacuumdraw line 36 having a filter space.

[0035]FIG. 23 is a cross section view of throat aperture vacuum transferplug 7 c shown with an outdraw filter 35 and separate and releasablycoupable with suction tubing in-draw spike 9

[0036]FIG. 24 shows a surgical suction canister lid embodiment 3 1 bconnected to a plastic pour bottle having an annular O-ring sealdisposed to mate with a portion of the pour bottle neck to form a seal.

[0037]FIG. 25 shows a side elevation of a suction tip connected to asuction tubing.

[0038]FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the throat/aperture plugvacuum transfer plug 7 b of FIG. 22.

[0039]FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view of the throat/aperture vacuumtransfer plug of FIG. 23.

[0040]FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of throat/aperture plug 7 dhaving a outline filter releasably coupled to the plug and having asuction tubing releasably coupled to material in-draw spike 9 through 9a. Each of FIGS. 26, 27, and 28 shows throat/aperture plugs connectableto a suction tubing and the suction tubing as shown in side elevationalview FIG. 25 as connected to a suction tip 19.

[0041]FIG. 29 is a partial exploded cross sectional view of a surgicalsuction canister lid embodiment 3 1 b having an aperture annularlysurrounded by downward boss disposed to fit in the throat of a pourbottle.

[0042]FIG. 30 shows a pour bottle embodiment 2, 4 c having a O-ring sealplatform/flange located on the neck of the pour bottle and integrated ina unitary fashion and a pair of locking lug wings.

[0043]FIG. 31 shows a partial exploded cross sectional and sideelevation view of pour bottle embodiment 2, 4 c of FIG. 30 inperspective alignment with a partial side elevational view of surgicalsuction canister lid embodiment 1. Plastic pour bottle 4 c is shown toassemble with lid embodiment 1 for connection to any number of canistershousings sizes.

[0044]FIGS. 32, 33, 34, & 35 show various throat/aperture vacuumtransfer plug embodiments each connectable as shown by the fourconnection lines 32 and each shown by lines 33 to be placed down thethroat of suction pour bottle 2 4 c, the partial side elevational viewof suction canister lid embodiment 1 shown connectable to plastic pourbottle embodiment 2 and interposable between a pour bottle and athroat/aperture vacuum transfer plug.

[0045]FIG. 36 shows a side elevation of a suction tip 19 and suctiontubing 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Turning to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a plastic pour bottle 4 disposedwithin a surgical suction/vacuum collection system. The collectionsystem comprises canister body 3, canister cover lid 1, pressuredifferential thru-put cap 2, plastic pour bottle 4, integrally connectedto form a surgical suction/vacuum collection system. Differential vacuumdraw pressure emanates from an external source 18 and is controlledthrough vacuum tubing 12 which is connected to lid 1 at tubing port 13.Interspace 5 is a vacuum balance space which is interposed between theexterior of plastic bottle 4 and the interior of the lid 1 housing body3 and cap 2 assembly. A negative atmospheric vacuum emanates at anexternal source 18 and is drawn through tubing 12 and induces a negativevacuum draw in interspace 5 by connection to tubing port 13. Thenegative atmospheric vacuum draw communicates with the inside chamber 14of pour bottle 4 by means of tubing 6 which is connected at one end tolid 1 at tubing port 15 and at the other end at elbow connector 17.Elbow 17 is connected to tubing 6 at one end and connected to cap 2 atthe other end. Tubing 6 connects interspace 5 to the interior chamber 14of plastic bottle 4 transferring the negative atmospheric pressure drawvacuum to in-draw suction tubing 16 which is connected to cap 2 atin-draw port 8.

[0047] Turning to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows pour bottle 4 connected to cap 2which in turn in connected to lid 1. Negative atmospheric pressure drawtransfer conduits 6, 12 and 16 have been removed from lid ports 13 and15 and cap ports 10 & 8. Lid 1 comprises wing passage space 1 aa shownin two locations for the thru-put of cap wings 2 a shown in twolocations.

[0048] Lower wing surface 2 d is shown having made contact with lid rampsurface lab. Pour bottle 4 is shown connected to cap 2, and cap 2 isshown with its wings 2 a having been inserted through lid slots 1 aa androtated such that lower wing surfaces 2 d contact lid ramps 1 ab causingan increased contact tension-pressure seal between cap 2 and lid 1.

[0049] Turning to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a round plastic pour bottle 4 ainserted into a surgical suction collection system. This figure depictsa surgical suction collection system having a similar differentialvacuum draw pressure system to that of FIG. 1 however the housingcanister housing body of the system of FIG. 3 embodies a side mountedvacuum port structure 13 a as shown being connected to a suction tubing12 a which in turn is disposed to transfer a negative atmosphericdifferential pressure draw emanating from an external source 18.

[0050] Turning to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a rectangular shaped plastic pourbottle 4 b connected to a surgical vacuum suction collection system. Thesurgical suction vacuum collection system of FIG. 4 has similar negativeatmospheric differential draw pressure features as the embodiments ofFIG. 1 and FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows the plastic pour bottle 4 b as having arectangular shaped body and similar to FIG. 3 shows canister housingbody 3 a embodied with a side port vacuum draw 13 a which is in turnconnectable to a suction tubing 12 a which in turn leads to an externalnegative differential pressure draw source 18.

[0051] Turning to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows features of a plastic pour bottle4, 4 a & 4 b depicting a square, round and/or rectangular pour bottlebody shapes. Plastic pour bottle 4 has an interior chamber 14, a pourspout/throat/aperture descending the interior neck forming into theplastic pour bottle chamber 14, a neck portion 4 ac and the neck portion4 ac having an external threaded portion 4 ab.

[0052] Turning to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows plastic pour bottle 4, bottle cap2, and lid embodiment 1 in a exploded view showing the relationship ofthe connectability of these three pieces. Plastic pour bottle neck 4 acis engages the lower portion of cap 2 engaging threads 4 ab and bottlethroat/aperture 4 aa which is intended to contact the insides of cap 2.Cap 2 is shown with in-draw port 8 which communicates though in drawport 8 a and disposed to deposit collection materials into the insidechamber 14 of pour plastic pour bottle 4. Bottle cap flange 2 c extendscircumferentially outward with an upper surface intended to mate with anO-ring disposed in an O-ring groove 1 ac. (not shown) Wings 2 a aresized to pass through slots 1 aa shown in FIG. 2. Lower surface wing 2 dis intended to rotatably engage lid ramps 1 ab of FIG. 2 throughtwisting engagement to accomplish increasing contact seal between cap 2at 2 c and O-ring 21 as shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

[0053] Turning to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a partial cross sectional view of aplastic pour bottle 4 having its upper neck section connected to cap 2which in turn is connected to lid embodiment 1 which is in turnconnected to the top of canister body housing 3 at 3 a. Collectionmaterial in draw port 8 of cap 2 is shown communicating through materialdeposit port 8 a which is disposed to deposit surgical suctioncollection material into inner chamber 14 of plastic pour bottle 4.Force control connections 13 and 15 of lid 1, connection 8 of cap 2 andconnection 10 of cap 2 are shown with tubing connections removed. Lidembodiment 1 is shown with O-ring groove 1 ac and O-ring 21. Cap 2 isshown with draw passage 10 which is in open communication through asplit passage into the interior chamber 14 of plastic pour bottle 4.Plastic pour bottle 4 is shown as having threads 4 ab which are inthreaded engagement to cap threads 2 b with sufficient contact to sealplastic pour bottle 4 rim into cap 2 at 2 d. Lid embodiment 1 shows capring ramps lab with lug wings 2 a (not shown) having sufficiently beenrotated in contact with sealing ramp lab such that the peripheral capflare 2 c sufficiently forms a seal contact with O-ring 21.

[0054] Turning to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows plastic pour bottle 4 in aconfiguration connected to cap 2, defining a pre-assembly of plasticpour bottle 4 and cap 2, which may then be connected to a lid embodiment1 in a fashion as described in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows a method ofachieving a subassembly of FIG. 7 using a practice method wherebyplastic pour bottle 4 and bottle cap 2 are pre-assembled for subsequentconnection to lid embodiment 1 at a time determined most convenient bythe user for purposes in the preparation of collecting surgical materialwaste.

[0055] Turning to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows lid embodiment 1 sufficientlyconnected to bottle cap 2 as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 depicts thepre-assembly of lid embodiment 1 and cap 2 which then in turn may besubsequently connected to plastic pour bottle 4 at a time determinedmost convenient in preparation of depositing surgical suction materialwaste in a plastic pour bottle.

[0056] Turning to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows a trop view of bottle cap 2showing vacuum material in-draw port 8 and outdraw vacuum port 10.Peripheral cap flange 2 c is also shown.

[0057] Turning to FIG. 10a. FIG. 10a shows a side elevation of bottlecap 2 showing outdraw vacuum port 10, lug wing 2 a, lower wing contactsurface 2 d and cap seal contact surface 2 c. Also shown is materialdeposit port 8 a disposed to deposit waste material into chamber 14.

[0058] Turning to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows a cross section of cap 2showing in-draw port 8 which communicates with chamber 14 through cap 2into material deposit spout 8 a. Outdraw port 10 is disposed tocommunicate with chamber 14 of a plastic pour bottle 4 through splitpassages 10. Pour bottle 4 rim engages with cap thread 2 b and bottomsout with cap 2 at bottom 2 d. Cap seal flat 2 c is also shown.

[0059] Turning to FIG. 11a. FIG. 11a shows a cross section cut 90degrees to that of FIG. 11 showing material in-draw port 8 as itcommunicates with/through material deposit spout 8 a. Cap 2 is shownwith material draw passages 10 (dashed lines) and rotation wings 2 a.

[0060] Turning to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows a plastic pour bottle 4 havingan interior chamber 14 connected to a suction canister housing lidembodiment 1 a. Pour bottle 4 is shown with differential pressure drawthru-put throat/aperture plug 7. Tubing port 13 is disposed forconnection with a source from which a vacuum draw force emanates,controlled by a vacuum draw tubing, and tubing port 15 is disposed for aconnection to a tubing which in turn will be connected to out-drawvacuum port 9. Throat/aperture plug 7 is shown disposed with a materialin-draw deposit port 11. Canister housing lid embodiment 2 1 a is shownwith a upwardly extending plastic bottle attachment boss 1 a 2.

[0061] Turning to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows a cross section of lidembodiment 1 comprising a multi-step base attachment 1 a 1 disposed forseal-able engagement with multiple sized/diameter canister housingbodies 3, 3 a and 3 b. FIG. 13 shows interposed space 5.

[0062] Turning to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 shows 2^(nd) lid embodiment 1 acomprising unitary multi-canister fitting base 1 a 1, bottle connectionboss 1 a 2 connected to plastic pour bottle 4, throat/aperture plugspacer 7, disposed to deposit material waste into the inside chamber 14of plastic pour bottle 4. Tubing connector port 15 is shown. Tubingconnector port 13 is not shown. Throat/aperture plug 7 is shown withmaterial in-draw port structure 9. Material out-draw structure 11 is notshown.

[0063] Turning to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a partial cross section of 2^(nd)lid embodiment 1 a as shown assembled with plastic pour bottle 4 andthroat/aperture plug 7. Throat/aperture plug 7 is placed into the throatof pour bottle 4 for the purposes of positioning material in-drawdeposit spout 9 a such that materials drawn in through in-draw connector9 deposit material into the inside chamber 14 of plastic pour bottle 4.Throat/aperture plug 7 shows tubing connection 11 and lid embodiment 1 aand tubing connector 15. It is understood that as shown in FIG. 1, FIG.3, FIG. 4 a tubing connection 6 is suitable for connecting connector 11of throat/aperture spacer 7 with connector 15 of lid embodiment 2 1 a.Plastic pour bottle 4 is shown with external neck thread 4 ab as havingbeen threadably engaged with lid embodiment 1 a of lid boss 1 a 2.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a partial cross section blow up oflid embodiments 1, 1 a, 1 b & 1 c, each being depicted with milti-stepbase 1 a 1. Multi-step base 1 a 1 attaches to or is integrally/unitarywith lid embodiments and is arranged to form a sealable coupling withvarious sizes of canister housing bodies 3 & 3 a.

[0065] Turning to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a cross section of throat/apertureplug 7 having a throat in-draw connector 9 and vacuum out draw connector11 with filter space 36 and material deposit spout 9 a.

[0066] Turning to FIG. 17a. FIG. 17a shows pour bottle 4 external neckthread 4 ab, threadably engaged to lid thread 1 a 3 of lid embodiment 1a. FIG. 17a shows how a pour bottle 4 and a canister lid 1 a may bepre-assembled at a time or in a sequence which is determined to beconvenient for the user in preparation of insertion of throat/apertureplug 7 for purposes in preparation of the depositing of suctioncollection material waste into chamber 14 of our bottle 4.

[0067] Turning to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a partial cross section of lidembodiment 1 a showing bottle engagement lid boss 1 a 2 and internalthread 1 a 3.

[0068] Turning to FIG. 18a. FIG. 18a is a cross sectional sub-assemblyof throat/aperture plug 7 inserted in the throat of pour bottle 4. FIG.18a shows how throat/aperture 7 may be pre-connected to pour bottle 4 ata time or in a sequence which is determined to be convenient by the userin preparation for connection to lid embodiment 1 a for the purposes inpreparation of depositing surgical material waste into chamber 14 ofpour bottle 4 through in-draw deposit spout 9 a.

[0069] Turning to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 shows a cross section of embodimentof FIG. 18a with suction tubing 16 connected to in-draw port 9 at 26.Suction tubing 16 is shown connected to suction tip 19. It is understoodthat material in-draw line may comprise composite connections drawingmaterial there-through and into the inner chamber 14 of pour bottle 4.It is also understood that drawing material waste into the inner chamberof a pour bottle may be carried out with a unified unitary materialin-draw line. It is understood that this FIG. 19 may mean the in-drawline may comprise both a composite draw line or a unitary line.

[0070] Turning to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a cross section of the embodimentof FIG. 19 without the attachment of pour bottle 4. FIG. 20 depicts anembodiment wherein the in-draw line comprises composite connectionsbetween suction tip 19 and suction tubing 16 which is connected toin-draw port 9 at 26. Junction 26 may be permanently joined or may bereleasably connectable.

[0071] Turning to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 shows material composite conduits ofFIG. 19 and FIG. 20 as attached to in-draw connector 9 of a secondembodiment throat/aperture plug 7 a. It is also understood that thein-draw conduit composite of suction tip 19, suction tubing 16 andconnector 9 may be permanently joined, or previously releasablyconnected as an integral material in-draw conduit.

[0072] Turning to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 shows a third embodimentthroat/aperture plug 7 b with out draw line filter 35, out-drawconnector 11, outline filter space 36, in-draw connector 9, suctiontubing connection 16 and material deposit spout 9 a. It is understoodthat these components may be permanently connected to thirdthroat/aperture embodiment 7 b or they may be releasable connectable tothroat/aperture embodiment 7 b.

[0073] Turning to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 shows a fourth embodimentthroat/aperture plug 7 c having out-draw connector 11, outdraw filter 35and material in-draw spike (9-9 a) passageway depicted by 9 through 9 a.It is understood that material in-draw spike 9 through 9 a may bepermanently assembled/connected to a suction tubing 16 and separablefrom throat/aperture plug 7 c.

[0074] Turning to FIG. 24. Shows a cross section assembly of plasticpour bottle 4 and third lid embodiment 1 b. Third lid embodiment 1 b hassimilar port connectors 13 and 15, and pour bottle connection threads 4ab. Third embodiment lid 1 b has an O-ring 1 b 1 attached for connectionto form a seal with part of pour bottle 4 neck.

[0075] Turning to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 shows a material in-draw conduitcomposite showing suction tip 19, suction tubing 16.

[0076] Turning to FIG. 26. FIG. 26 shows a throat/aperture embodiment 7b of FIG. 22.

[0077] Turning to FIG. 27. FIG. 27 shows a throat/aperture embodiment 7c of FIG. 23.

[0078] Turning to FIG. 28. FIG. 28 shows a 5^(th) embodiment ofthroat/aperture plug 7 d having in-draw spike 9 through 9 a, outdrawconnector 11 and outline filter 35.

[0079] Turning to FIG. 29. FIG. 29 shows a fourth lid embodiment 1 chaving a downward annular boss 1 c 1 and lid aperture 1 c 2. Downwardlid aperture boss 1 c 1 is sized to fit snugly down the throat 4 aa ofpour bottle 4. Each of the three lines 30, demonstrate that the apertureplugs of FIG. 26, FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are meant to fit down lid aperture1 c 2 disposing in-draw spout 9 a into inner chamber 14 of pour bottle 4and disposing out draw filters 35 in a position to filter the outdraw.Each of three lines 31 show the connectability of suction tubing 16 tothe material in-draw connectors 9 of FIGS. 26, 27 & 28.

[0080] Turning to FIG. 30. FIG. 30 shows a second embodiment of a pourbottle 4 c having peripheral flange 4 ce formed unitary therewith,locking lug wings 4 ca and neck throat 4 aa.

[0081]FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view of second embodiment of plasticpour bottle 4 c having internal chamber 14, two locking lug wings 4 ca,peripheral flange surface 4 cd, external thread 4 ab and neck throat 4aa.

[0082] Turning to FIG. 31. FIG. 31 shows pour bottle 4 c in positionjuxtaposed to a partial view of a portion of lid embodiment 1 posed forpassage of locking lug wings 4 ca through slots 1 aa as depicted in FIG.2. Locking lug wing under surface 4 cb is disposed to make contact withlid embodiment 1 ramps lab for creating a sufficient contact and sealbetween peripheral flange surface 4 cd with O-ring 21 as shown in FIG. 7which is in O-ring groove 1 ac also shown in FIG. 7. Sub-assembly ofFIG. 31 may then be disposed for position with surgical suction canistersystem as shown by offset line 37. FIGS. 32, 33, 34, and 35 show thethroat aperture plugs of FIGS. 23, 22, 21 and 17 respectively. FIG. 36shows a suction tip 19 and suction tubing 16 as a composite materialin-draw line. Each of four lines 32 demonstrate the connectabilityand/or permanent connection of suction tubing 16 with connection ports 9and/or spike 9 through 9 a (of FIG. 27) and with throat/aperture plugsof FIGS. 32, 33, 34 & 35.

[0083] Turning to FIG. 37. FIG. 37 shows a cross sectional view ofsecond embodiment pour bottle 4 c disposed for insertion in connectionwith lid embodiment 1. Each of four lines 33 demonstrate the directionof connectability between pour bottle 4 c and each of throat/apertureplugs 7 c, 7 b, 7 d & 7. Sheet 19 of 19 is intended to demonstrate thecomposite in-draw line connectability forming communication between asuction tip 19 (source of waste material) and the inner chamber 14 of aplastic pour bottle 4 c. As various changes could be made in the abovemethods and apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention,and because it is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative and not in a limiting sense, we therefore claim theaforementioned matter in all forms and combinations limited solely bythe appended claims.

What is claimed is: 1) An apparatus for reducing supplies and wastecomprising, a) a composite draw path interposed between a vacuum sourceand a waste material site, b) a force emanating from said vacuum sourceto draw material from a waste site, c) a canister sized for sealingapposition with a lid, d) a throat/aperture plug directing wastematerial to a delivery container, e) a lid having a plurality offenestration couplings, f) a delivery container derived from suppliesundergoing conversion coupling with a lid to dispose waste material. 2)An apparatus for disposing waste material in a converted containercomprising, a) a material draw force, b) a canister, c) a bottleneck/throat plug directing force to and away from a supply container, d)a container converted from the supply chain to the disposal chainundergoing derivation from delivering health care, e) a canister lidhaving at least one fenestration constructed to connect to a derivedsupply container, f) a composite draw path formed at least in part bythe interior of a converted container. 3) An apparatus for convertingsupplies and reducing waste comprising, a) a canister lid, b) a drawpath, c) a canister body, d) a bottle neck throat/pressure transferplug, e) a supply container interposable between delivery and disposal,f) a draw force directed by said path in part co-acting to transform adelivery container to dispose waste material.